Whiskey Rebellion

The Whiskey Rebellion, like the War of 1812 – took place in the lives of many Americans who had been young when the War of Independence was won. The Spirit of Revolution was very much fired. On the surface level, it may be easy to see the event as an example of Federal Overreach. After all, isn’t it ironic that a Government predicated on No Taxation Without Representation… should suppress tax revolts? Was there a popular referendum for a moratorium to be proposed? Many people – veterans included – felt betrayed. It is a common refrain, but freedom isn’t free. Wars cost money, that never changes. Now for America to be, it had to disentangle from Britain – obviously – but what is sometimes forgotten is that Britain was the naval, as well as financial superpower of the day. It was also true that Britain was the vehicle by which the Yankees came by rum, the unofficial national drink. In loss of this supply, home brewing skyrocketed. Especially in the Western frontier, then Pennsylvania. So